Underdosing of Benzodiazepines in Patients With Status Epilepticus Enrolled in Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial.

Abstract

Benzodiazepines, including diazepam (DZP), lorazepam (LZP), and midazolam (MDZ), are considered the initial drugs of choice for status epilepticus (SE) treatment. A number of trials have demonstrated their safety and efficacy; however, the failure rate ranges from 10‐55%.1,2 This may be attributable, in part, to sub‐optimal benzodiazepine dosing and timing of administration. The Neurocritical Care Society (NCS) and American Epilepsy Society (AES) have published evidence‐based guidelines for benzodiazepine use in SE that specify drugs, doses, and routes of administration.